The attacks on ships in the Red Sea continue: A Maersk ship narrowly escapes an attack by Huthi rebels.
According to military sources, a missile was fired today near the Hanish Islands in south-western Yemen, presumably by Huthi rebels. The target of the attack was the container ship “Maersk Gibraltar” (10,100 TEU), which apparently narrowly escaped a hit on its way through the Red Sea. [ds_preview]
The container freighter sails under charter with the Danish liner shipping company, but is owned by the Canadian ship owner Seaspan and sails under the Hong Kong flag. The missile reportedly hit the sea just 50 meters away on the port side of the southbound vessel.
UKMTO warns all vessels of Huthi attacks
“Ships are advised to exercise caution when passing through and to report any suspicious activity,” according to the British military authority UK Marine Trade Operations (UKMTO).
Shipping in the region has been on high alert since last month, when the Houthi rebels threatened to attack all Israeli-bound merchant ships in retaliation for the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The threat was extended a few days ago: It now also applies to all ships calling at an Israeli port.
On December 11 and December 13, the Norwegian chemical tanker “Strinda” (built in 2006) and then the bulker “Ardmore Encounter” (built in 2014) were attacked. Both are Norwegian-owned.
